Returning from an unsuccessful search, “Nathan” (Paul Winfield) finds his family hungry. He’s surrounded by love, but he understands things won't get better until harvest time – which is still far off. Then he makes a mistake and ends up in prison for taking food, leaving his wife “Rebecca” (Cicely Tyson) and the children to manage planting and survive while he serves twelve months of hard labor. The situation isn’t made easier by the fact that they don't know where he is being held, so “David” (Kevin Hooks), with assistance from their neighbor “Miss Boatwright” (Carmen Matthews), begins trying to locate him and establish contact, hoping to reassure everyone that they are thinking of them. The film features two noteworthy performances: Tyson portrays a woman who will do anything to protect her family from hunger, and Hooks is genuinely moving as the boy longing for his father’s presence. It highlights issues of racism and injustice, but also emphasizes the children's determination to attend school, supported by parents who are equally committed to ensuring they don’t miss out on that chance. The film avoids excessive sentimentality while still being touching, offering a sense of hope for these kids; there’s even a possibility that “Miss Boatwright’s” somewhat daring actions might inspire some kindness from the white community. The production effectively conveys the hardship of their lives and exposes the hypocrisy within a society where hard work brought little reward except to benefit others.

Source on TMDB